When they moved to South Hall in 2000, Brian Cantel and his wife began participating in the Lake Lanier Association's annual Shore Sweep.

In later years, they were able to get their neighbors involved in the massive cleanup effort. Five years ago, Cantel's South Hall Rotary Club decided to make it an annual project.

"Every year, we have 10 to 20 members who go out and pick up trash" in pontoon boats donated by Lake Lanier Islands, he said.

The Hall County area, Cantel believes, is "so dependent on the lake for many things - recreation, sheer beauty and the economic impact it provides to the area from tourism."

"We need to keep it as pristine and clean as possible," he said.

The Lake Lanier Association is inviting anyone interested to participate in its 22nd annual Shore Sweep, which is set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

A volunteer appreciation cookout is set for 1-3 p.m. at Van Pugh Park off Gaines Ferry Road in West Hall.

Volunteers are asked to gather at designated sites: Aqualand Marina, Clarks Bridge Park, Gainesville Marina, Holiday Marina, Lake Lanier Islands, Lazy Days Marina, Hideaway Bay Marina and Sunrise Cove Marina in Hall County; War Hill Park, Dawson County; Bald Ridge Marina, Habersham Marina and Port Royale Marina, Forsyth County; and Lanier Harbor Marina, Gwinnett County.

Trash may be taken to those locations, except for Lake Lanier Islands, where volunteers may enter at no charge through the main gate to collect trash.

"Compared to years when Lake Lanier was low, the task this year is much easier since it will not be necessary to drag as many large pieces of Styrofoam to the shore line," said Joanna Cloud, executive director of the association.

"While there is some work involved, it truly is a labor of love and we think (volunteers) will find the experience to be enjoyable and fulfilling."

Cloud said she estimates about 1,000 volunteers will show up Saturday.

Cantel cautions those who want to participate to dress accordingly.

"Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty and bring some gloves, because (the event) is not something for somebody who doesn't want to get dirty," he said.